For a very long time, I have been saying that I wanted to go and visit Matera. And finally, in 2020, I was able to fulfil my little dream: I decided to organize 4 days to better discover Matera and its world heritage stones.
What do you need to know before leaving for Matera?
In two full days of stay (two and a few hours, actually) I tried to collect all the information possible for those who want to visit the city, the capital of culture 2019. And today I’m here to share woth you all the information
How to get there
Both Trenitalia and Italo don’t have direct trains to Matera, but both companies offer a train + bus service. With both companies, it is not possible to book only the bus: the ticket must necessarily be purchased at the same time as the train ticket. My train from Roma arrived in Salerno: from there I took a bus, from the square in front of the train station (I arrived in Piazza Matteotti).
Where to sleep
The ideal is to sleep in one of the hotels in the Sassi area, the historical centre of Matera now a UNESCO heritage site. Why did I opt for this choice? Simple: I wanted to experience the city centre as much as possible, even when I moved around the hotel. So, for me, this was the best possible choice. I stayed at the Alle Conche hotel, where I was happy with both the location and the services offered. If you also decide to stay at this property, I suggest you enjoy the roof terrace.
Going around
I didn’t have a car, but I realized that the city can be toured entirely on foot without the need for your own vehicle! The various points of interest are not very far away between each one. Considering the heat and the many stairs, it never took me more than 15/20 minutes on foot to move between the places I wanted to visit.
Several buses pass through Piazza Matteotti and a small bus that crosses the stone area. To get to the Parco della Murgia materana, there is a bus that leaves every half hour from Piazza San Pietro Caveoso.
Other useful information
The historic centre is a limited traffic area! So if you have booked a hotel in the centre, remember to communicate the license plate, to be able to get there at least to unload your luggage! Otherwise, of course, you risk getting a fine.
The Sassi area “is all a staircase”! You will go up and down many, every time you have to go from one place to another. The city centre is divided into two areas: Sasso Barisano (probably because it faces Bari) and Sasso caveoso (where were the ancient caves where the people of Matera originally lived). The latter overlooks the Murgia Materana Park! The rock churches located within the park are currently (August 2019) under restoration: this, therefore, does not allow visitors to visit them. But you can still catch up by visiting those found in the city.
Remember to bring a hat: the stone reflects the sun a lot, and it was one of the best advice I received before leaving (if not THE best one). During the summer, remember to also wet it often, because it will help you to withstand the heat better.
I also suggest you bring a bottle with you to fill with water when you need it. During the summer it is essential to have water with you because the city is sweltering (and luckily there are several fountains to fill it).
Very good tips also for me, it will be my third time in Matera hopefully this year. And possibly by train again, using FAL Ferrovie appulo lucane.
Thank you!
I would love to go back to Matera too. I don’t know when yet, but I know it will be soon: I still have a lot to discover, in and around the city.
trovo assurdo che ancora oggi non ci sia un collegamento in treno con Matera, uno dei capoluoghi di regione italiani. ed è proprio questo il motivo per cui non sono ancora stata a Matera! Da mIlano diventa davvero un viaggione. Speriamo che migliorino i collegamenti.